Catcher guaranteed $9 million for 3 years

Then, looking up at a picture of Petco Park on the wall of the Padres’ spring training complex, Hundley said: “If you look at that picture and say you don’t want to play there, you’re nuts.”

It’s that kind of attitude that has helped the son of a longtime college football coach become a leader in the Padres clubhouse.

Said Black: “When Nick walks through the clubhouse doors, other players feel better.”

The Padres elected to extend Hundley although catching is one of their deepest positions throughout the system.

Switch-hitting Yasmani Grandal was considered the No. 3 prospect in Cincinnati’s system when he came to the Padres in the Mat Latos deal. He will likely open the season at Triple-A Tucson with Jason Hagerty at Double-A San Antonio and Austin Hedges, a prized draftee last June, at low Single-A Fort Wayne.

“You can’t have too much catching,” said Byrnes. It’s in our best interest to have quality depth at catcher. If it becomes a problem that we have too much catching, we’ll cross that bridge when we get there.”